A Fact in, A Fact out

Imagine this...

You are scrolling through your newsfeed, bombarded with headlines about the latest breakthrough in cancer treatment, a revolutionary new energy source, or even the discovery of life on another planet. Exciting stuff, right? But before you hit that share button, take a breath. In today's information age, where scientific discoveries are constantly unfolding, separating genuine breakthroughs from sensationalized claims is more crucial than ever.

This newsletter dives into the world of fact-checking in science journalism, your essential guide to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of scientific news. We will explore how journalists ensure accuracy, identify reliable sources, and equip you with the tools to become a responsible reader (and sharer) of scientific information.

Thorough fact-checking is also crucial for companies in industrial research, as it ensures the accuracy and reliability of your content. By rigorously verifying data and claims, you can build credibility and trust with your audience. Accurate, well-researched content helps customers understand products and services better, fostering informed decision-making.

So, buckle up, and let's embark on a journey where fact meets science, and knowledge empowers!

What is fact-checking?

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information. It is like being a scientific detective, scrutinizing every detail to ensure the information is correct.

Understand that facts are verifiable statements, while opinions are not!

Why is scientific fact-checking important?

These days, scientific claims can spread rapidly on social media. This makes scientific fact-checking crucial for several reasons:

• Combating misinformation: Misinformation about science can have serious real-world consequences. Imagine public health decisions based on inaccurate information about a disease outbreak or environmental policies swayed by false claims about climate change. Fact-checking helps us separate truth from fiction and build a foundation for informed action.

• Making informed choices: Being bombarded by scientific headlines, often sensationalized, can be overwhelming. Fact-checking can verify the accuracy of claims. This helps us make informed choices based on credible scientific evidence, not just attention-grabbing headlines.

• Promoting scientific literacy: Fact-checking skills equip us to become more critical consumers of scientific information. We learn to identify reliable sources, understand the difference between facts and opinions, and recognize potential biases. This improves our scientific literacy so we engage more meaningfully with scientific advancements and discussions.

How do you fact-check?

The fact-checking journey starts with a critical eye. When reading a scientific article, highlight or mark facts that need verification, including phrases and words like ‘always’ or ‘exactly.’ These are the building blocks that need a strong foundation.

Here is a handy resource to guide you: Africa Check's 5 steps to fact-checking (link)

Now that you have identified the facts, it is time for verification. Here is what matters most:

• Source quality: Use Google Scholar for scientific publications. Avoid Wikipedia as a sole source, and use caution with Google searches. Moreover, you can prioritize contacting scientists whenever possible. Think of them as the eyewitnesses of scientific discovery. Also, check whether authors are qualified researchers in their field or whether they are affiliated with a recognized institution.
• Accurate language: Search for misleading terms like ‘prove’ when discussing research findings. Science is a journey of exploration, not absolute pronouncements.
• Transparency: Distinguish between facts and opinions. Op-eds and personal experiences do not require verification in the same way scientific claims do.
• Do not rely on a single source. Look for other scientific publications that discuss the same topic. This will confirm statistics, proper names, and scientific terms. Moreover, you can determine whether the findings are consistent.
• Be cautious of sensational claims: If something sounds too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is.
• Use fact-checking resources: Look for reputable science organizations offering specific information. Factcheck.org has a project called SciCheck that focuses on verifying scientific claims in the news.

There is, however, a caveat here. Inherent biases and belief systems can sometimes overshadow our fact-checking processes, leading to selective validation that reinforces pre-existing views. This can result in overlooked inaccuracies and compromised integrity of information.

When do you Fact-Check?

Ideally, fact-checking should happen before publishing any information. However, realistically, prioritize whenever you are unsure of a claim's validity, especially when:

• Understanding a new concept
• Before making decisions based on scientific research

Don't get clickbaited by confusing science headlines! Join thousands of science enthusiasts who fact-check science news like pros!

Also, share this newsletter with someone you think needs to fact-check the news before sharing it across their network.

Stay tuned for more science communication hacks coming your way!

We leave you this week with a step-by-step guide on the fact-checking process in science journalism from the Knight Science Journalism Handbook. Click on the picture below to read more!

At SciRio, we have always aspired for our services to fill the gaps between scicomm, science, and our societies. Our workshops and services often include diversifying efforts in scicomm beyond the traditional written word. As we move into a new enterprise phase, we aim to expand our client base to include new voices.

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